Apple's iPhone Duo Launches at $1,999 With Touch ID and New Foldable Features

The price tag of $1,999 is the first thing that will make buyers pause before purchasing Apple's new folding smartphone. This device, named the iPhone Duo, has been in the works for seven years, a period that began when Samsung first introduced the Galaxy Fold. After that long wait, the hardware seems to have benefited from the extra time spent in development. Early assessments suggest the result is a solid piece of technology, though the high cost means consumers need to understand exactly what they are getting before they unfold the box.

One of the most immediate adjustments users will notice is the software experience. The phone features a 5.4-inch outer screen and a larger 7.6-inch inner display, a form factor that Apple has never used before. Because of this new shape, many third-party applications have not yet been fully optimized. While Apple's own apps look good, other popular services like Slack, Instagram, DoorDash, and WhatsApp appear as narrow strips in the center with thick black bars on the sides. Even among the apps that have been updated for the new system, some still show minor interface glitches. However, since the phone is currently back-ordered for several weeks, developers may have time to fix these issues before many customers receive their devices.

The design also marks a significant departure from recent iPhone models by dropping Face ID. Instead, the Duo relies on Touch ID, with the sensor located on the right side of the device. This is likely due to the thinness of the phone and represents the first return of this fingerprint technology to a flagship iPhone since it was kept on the SE line, iPads, and MacBooks. The familiar Dynamic Island remains, but it has been relocated to the top-right corner near the outer camera. Some users may miss the speed of facial recognition, while others who preferred the physical security of a fingerprint may welcome the change.

Photography is a standout feature on the new device. Users can take high-quality selfies using the superior rear cameras while previewing the shot on the outer screen. A simple slide control moves the full camera app to the outer display, including all modes and styles, while turning off the inner screen to prevent accidental touches. This is distinct from other features like Duo Preview, which lets the subject see the viewfinder, and Kids Cue, which plays animations on the outer screen to keep children's attention. Multitasking is also improved, allowing users to drag apps to either side of the inner screen to run two programs side by side. These pairs can be locked for easier access in the recent apps menu, though they cannot be saved as a single icon.

Accessory compatibility requires a bit of care. The phone supports MagSafe, but when unfolded and placed on a car dock or tripod, it can tip to one side due to uneven weight. Third-party makers may need to create anti-rotation magnets to solve this. Magnetic wallets also present a challenge because the Duo is shorter than other iPhones, causing them to stick out past the bottom edge. Apple has not offered an official fix for this yet.

Users should also be cautious with the inner display. Apple describes the matte nano-texture finish as an integral part of the screen and advises against attempting to remove it. Doing so could void the warranty, and third-party protectors might affect display performance. If the finish is damaged, it can be replaced for $19 with a valid plan or $49 without one. A cracked inner display is a much more expensive repair, costing $999 without AppleCare+.

Several conveniences are on the horizon for the device. The keyboard can already be split to make typing easier on the wide screen, and a software update later this year will add a new version of Reachability that shifts apps to the side rather than down. Another update will add support for the USB-C Apple Pencil, which should make writing feel more natural on the textured screen. However, there is currently no built-in place to store the stylus on the phone itself.